1 lg. red beans
1/2 tsp. baking soda
8 c. water
1 c. chopped onions
1/2 c. chopped celery
1 clove garlic, minced
2 bay leaves
1/4 tsp. basil
1/4 tsp. thyme
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1/4 tsp. cayenne
1/8 tsp. Creole seasoning
1 lb. sausage
1 tbsp. salt

Soak beans overnight in water to which baking soda has been added. Do not drain water. Add all other ingredients except sausage and salt. Cook over medium heat 3 1/2-4 hours. Add sausage and salt and cook 30 minutes. Serve over rice.